State govt to pay for 11.2 lakhs Awas homes if Centre doesn't by April 1
Times of India | 28 February 2024
KOLKATA/PURULIA: Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said state govt would help build the homes of Bengal's around 11.2 lakh PM Awas Yojana beneficiaries if Centre did not clear the dues by April 1. "Bengal," she said, "will not beg for its dues but fight for its rights."
The announcement, at an administrative meeting, came in the backdrop of the state starting to clear dues - worth Rs 2,651 crore - as wages to 24.5 lakh workers of 100 days' work scheme under MGNREGA from the state's coffers after Centre stopped funds.
"If central funds are not released by April 1, then, in the first phase, 11 lakh houses would be built by state government from its funds," Banerjee said. "Those who enrolled through the helpline 'Sorasori Mukhyomantri' should also get homes. I urge officials to think about it," Banerjee said.
Non-payment of central dues to Bengal is TMC's primary plank against BJP in the run-up to the LS polls.
'Will ask Delhi netas why Bengal is deprived'
Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said the number of 100 days' work beneficiaries, who had not yet received payments, could be nearly double of the earlier estimate of 24.5 lakh. "We collected data from the central portal; now, it is 50 lakh," she announced.
The tribal development boards would fund the houses for Bengal's poor if Centre didn't send funds owed by it under the PM Awas Yojana, the CM announced.
The total number of houses to be built would be around 17 lakh, in phases, she added. Funds from the departments of backward classes and minority development would be used.
The CM said Bengal's poor had suffered after Centre stopped wages of MGNREGA job-card holders. "The funds disbursal started on Monday.
The money has already reached some of them," she said. "Each of the 50 lakh workers will be paid their pending wages in a couple of days.
I will ask Delhi's BJP leaders why Bengal is being deprived. They need to reply when they come here for votes - why didn't you release funds? Poor workers who are tribals, Hindus and Muslims have been adversely affected."
Banerjee also charged BJP with lying. "BJP is claiming that they have been providing potable water to homes through Jol Swopno through advertisements.
BJP is lying. We are purchasing land for pipeline connectivity and paying 75% of the funds," she said. She also accused BJP of forgetting about Purulia after winning the 2019 Lok Sabha poll: "BJP won, but did they do anything after the win?"
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